Posted 11:00 pm Wednesday, February 06, 2013
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Chandler Chamber recognizes outstanding residents
A special Lifetime Achievement award was presented to a Chandler couple Tuesday during the annual Chandler Chamber of Commerce banquet in recognition of their contributions and work in the community for many years.
Don and Martha Copeland received the Lifetime Achievement award as about 250 people attending the banquet at First Assembly of God Church stood applauding.
“Every now and then if we have someone we feel is really deserving, we give the Lifetime Achievement award,” Rick Ford, chamber chairman, said.
When the board of directors was trying to figure out if there was somebody worthy this year, it was unanimous to honor the Copelands, Ford said.
The couple has given a lifetime of volunteering in every aspect of the city, Jim Moffeit, chamber vice chairman, said. “They are just deserving people,” he added.
Copeland, a pharmacist, and his wife operated Copeland’s Chandler Drug. At different times he has served as mayor, a city councilman, member of the planning and zoning commission, a school trustee and in other capacities.
Both are previous recipients of the Citizen of the Year award.
Ms. Copeland was a member of a committee that started the Chandler Pow Wow festival in the 1980s. She has been active in the Chandler Methodist church and in Methodism across East Texas, She is also involved in the Women’s Unity Fellowship and many other community activities.
They have served in leadership positions in many organizations, their church and the community, Dr. Jeff McDonald said in announcing the award recipients. They have worked with Keep Athens Beautiful, Chandler Historical Society, the Chandler library board, cemetery board and others.
The Copelands are true friends and deeply loved by friends and family, McDonald said.
Other banquet highlights were announcements of recipients of four awards presented annually.
Ron Boyda was named Citizen of the Year.
Don and Martha Copeland received the Lifetime Achievement award as about 250 people attending the banquet at First Assembly of God Church stood applauding.
“Every now and then if we have someone we feel is really deserving, we give the Lifetime Achievement award,” Rick Ford, chamber chairman, said.
When the board of directors was trying to figure out if there was somebody worthy this year, it was unanimous to honor the Copelands, Ford said.
The couple has given a lifetime of volunteering in every aspect of the city, Jim Moffeit, chamber vice chairman, said. “They are just deserving people,” he added.
Copeland, a pharmacist, and his wife operated Copeland’s Chandler Drug. At different times he has served as mayor, a city councilman, member of the planning and zoning commission, a school trustee and in other capacities.
Both are previous recipients of the Citizen of the Year award.
Ms. Copeland was a member of a committee that started the Chandler Pow Wow festival in the 1980s. She has been active in the Chandler Methodist church and in Methodism across East Texas, She is also involved in the Women’s Unity Fellowship and many other community activities.
They have served in leadership positions in many organizations, their church and the community, Dr. Jeff McDonald said in announcing the award recipients. They have worked with Keep Athens Beautiful, Chandler Historical Society, the Chandler library board, cemetery board and others.
The Copelands are true friends and deeply loved by friends and family, McDonald said.
Other banquet highlights were announcements of recipients of four awards presented annually.
Ron Boyda was named Citizen of the Year.
The award recognized Boyda’s willingness to help people when they need help, Ford said. “If you need something, ask Ron and he will be there to help you. He likes to do everything behind the scene, so we figured it was time to let people know all he’s done,” Ford said.
Moffeit added, “He’s just a good all-around citizen.”
Boyda delivers food as part of Meals On Wheels. One nomination for Boyda said he is a friend and companion to the people he delivers meals to. He works in Chandler Lions Club projects, sponsors the dunking booth at the Chandler Pow Wow, works closely with Brownsboro ISD and is involved in other community activities.
Air Chandler, an air conditioning service owned by Michael Chandler, was named Business of the Year.
He donated and installed free of charge an air conditioning and heating system for a house that was the birth place of the U.S. Sen. Ralph W. Yarborough, which is being turned into a museum.
He works with several organizations in Brownsboro ISD, gives of his time and services free of charge to help people, Ford said.
Stephen Kidd was named Fireman of the Year. Kidd, a volunteer firefighter for several years, recently took on responsibility as coordinator of training firefighters and new recruits. He also has aided the fire department with writing applications for grants.
David Patterson was named Police Officer of the Year. Patterson was recognized for sponsoring the police Explorer Troop, his work with youth and for working with the police department’s computer system.
Shanda Booth, who teaches at Chandler Elementary School, was named Teacher of the Year.
She is a reading and math tutor, a children’s church worker, an area baseball tournament volunteer, a PTA secretary and active in many other ways. She was lauded for implementing a variety of teaching methods and for having clear objectives for lessons and projects.
Guest speaker was Terry Miller, host of a morning talk show on 99.3 FM and a Tyler Realtor.
Moffeit added, “He’s just a good all-around citizen.”
Boyda delivers food as part of Meals On Wheels. One nomination for Boyda said he is a friend and companion to the people he delivers meals to. He works in Chandler Lions Club projects, sponsors the dunking booth at the Chandler Pow Wow, works closely with Brownsboro ISD and is involved in other community activities.
Air Chandler, an air conditioning service owned by Michael Chandler, was named Business of the Year.
He donated and installed free of charge an air conditioning and heating system for a house that was the birth place of the U.S. Sen. Ralph W. Yarborough, which is being turned into a museum.
He works with several organizations in Brownsboro ISD, gives of his time and services free of charge to help people, Ford said.
Stephen Kidd was named Fireman of the Year. Kidd, a volunteer firefighter for several years, recently took on responsibility as coordinator of training firefighters and new recruits. He also has aided the fire department with writing applications for grants.
David Patterson was named Police Officer of the Year. Patterson was recognized for sponsoring the police Explorer Troop, his work with youth and for working with the police department’s computer system.
Shanda Booth, who teaches at Chandler Elementary School, was named Teacher of the Year.
She is a reading and math tutor, a children’s church worker, an area baseball tournament volunteer, a PTA secretary and active in many other ways. She was lauded for implementing a variety of teaching methods and for having clear objectives for lessons and projects.
Guest speaker was Terry Miller, host of a morning talk show on 99.3 FM and a Tyler Realtor.
